Why was there an underground city in Turkey?
The idea behind the subterranean cities was to protect the inhabitants from foreign invasion, allowing thousands of people to live their lives in total secrecy. During the 14th century, the caves provided Christians with a safe haven from the threat of the Mongolians during the assaults on Timur.
Is Derinkuyu still inhabited?
They remain generally unoccupied. More than 200 underground cities of at least two levels have been discovered in the area between Kayseri and Nevsehir. Some 40 of those include three or more levels.
Who found Derinkuyu underground city?
Other theories suggest that the underground city was founded by Persians or Hittites. One of the first possible written accounts describing Derinkuyu is credited to 370 BCE, found in a text written by Xenophon of Athens who, writing in hisAnabasis, mentions people in Anatolia had excavated their homes underground.
Why was Derinkuyu underground city built?
Derinkuyu This labyrinthine complex dates to around the 8th century B.C. and was most likely built to serve as a refuge during periods of war and invasion.
Why did people live underground in Cappadocia?
The Cappadocia underground cities were built by early Christians during the Byzantine era who were persecuted for their faith. The city's inhabitants used the network of caves to protect themselves from Muslim-Arabs during the Arab-Byzantine Wars between 780 and 1180.
Why was Cappadocia built?
When the last king of Cappadocia died in 17 AD, the region became a province of Rome. … But Cappadocia was an ideal place to be safeguarded from pressures and to spread the Christian doctrine. Deep valleys and shelters dug into the soft volcanic rocks created a safe heaven against the Roman soldiers.
Is Derinkuyu real?
Derinkuyu ("deep well") (Cappadocian Greek: Μαλακοπή) is a town and district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. According to 2010 census, population of the district is 22,114 of which 10,679 live in the town of Derinkuyu.